Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed he’s open to keeping Wout Weghorst at Old Trafford next season. The Netherlands international has bagged just twice since moving from Burnley in the January transfer window. However, despite his struggles in front of goal, he’s still come in for praise at a time where the club are eyeing the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
Manchester United are believed to have made Kane their top transfer target, amid a growing feeling Tottenham could sell their prized asset at the end of the campaign.
And Osimhen is admired, too, with the Napoli star shining amid their charge towards the Serie A title this term.
United have seen Weghorst struggle in front of goal since his January move, with the Netherlands international dividing opinion.
But Ten Hag, speaking ahead of the Red Devils’ Premier League showdown with Newcastle on Sunday, has insisted there’s still a chance the 30-year-old will be at the club next season.
“Of course. I think he is doing a lot of elements of football really well,” he said.
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The Clarets reportedly wanted to get him off the wage bill following their relegation to the Championship last term.
But United are happy with his progress and while they eyeing Kane and Osimhen, he could still play a part for many years to come.
Speaking last month, Weghorst slammed his critics and expressed a belief he was doing a ‘good job’ in Manchester.
“That [18 starts] is a lot of matches and it shows the trust in me,” he told The Sun.
“It also shows that I am doing a good job for the team.
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“That was the thing I wanted when I came here – to contribute and try and help the club to be successful to win trophies. We have one now.
“We have two more to go with the Europa League and FA Cup, and we want to get as high as possible in the table and definitely top four for the Champions League.
“So it just shows me that I am being part of it. And being part of us being successful and that appreciation, that’s a good thing.”
On the Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle in February, he added: “The match against Newcastle at Wembley was a great experience, a lovely atmosphere in the stadium, it has something special.
“We want to win trophies. The one we have now just showed us that we can do it again; we are all hungry for more, all of us.”
Weghorst is expected to be involved when United battle Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday (4.30pm).
The game at Old Trafford finished goalless back in October, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford missing big chances to secure victory.
But United did beat the Toon at Wembley in February, with Rashford and Casemiro on target.
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